You've probably seen your share of costumes already this year, especially if your church had some sort of fall festival or other celebration. And, it's very cool that churches are attempting to seize the opportunity presented by Halloween to use a commemoration with a rather auspicious history to bring glory to God and to spread the gospel.
According to a survey by the National Retail Foundation, Americans are expected to spend $2.5 billion on Halloween costumes this year, spending over $1 billion on children’s costumes, $1.2 billion on adult costumes, and $310 million on pet costumes. The average person will spend $72.31 on Halloween candy, costumes and décor, bringing total spending to $6.86 billion - and even in a down economy, that represents the most in the survey’s nine-year history.
According to NRF’s 2011 Top Costumes survey, conducted by BIGresearch, the trendiest costume is apparently - a ZOMBIE. More than 2.6 million men, women and children plan to dress as zombies this Halloween. Due to the popularity of the characters in recent books, television shows and video games, zombie costumes jumped from number 22 last year to number nine on children’s top costume list and from number seven to four on the adult list. Number 1 on the adult list and number 2 in the kids' rankings is the witch, princess is the #1 childrens' costume.
Now a zombie is essentially a person who is considered to be the living dead, or even undead, assumed to be brought to this deathly lifeless state by some supernatural force. Author Jeff Kinley puts the "zombie" concept into a Christian context in his new book, The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook.
It's billed as teaching about sin, grace, and salvation, tracing the fictional life of a guy named been Ben Forman and offering Bible teaching to help readers understand the gravity and consequences of life without God, of life as a zombie. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved."
Kinley teaches that without the salvation Jesus offers, we are all as good as dead. But he also illustrates how anyone can "kill the zombie inside, escape the clutches of the undead, and come alive by the supernatural power of God's salvation."
In the 3rd chapter of the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah describes life as a spiritual zombie:
4 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. 5 He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. 6 He has made me dwell in darkness like those long dead.
That's life in a fallen world, and in the life of Israel who had placed themselves under God's judgement - but listen to his words later in the chapter:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
There's a lot of supernatural concentration during this "season", if you will, and while witchcraft may be trendy and zombies may be cool, these popular costumes and pop culture fascinations can give us opportunity to shine light into the darkness and share with people how evil can be overcome with good and death can be overcome with the life of Christ. We don't have to be spiritual "zombies" - He can transform the heart and help us to put aside the deeds of darkness.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
"I Got a Rock"
This is a big weekend for many churches, as a variety of fall festivals and Halloween alternatives are gearing up, and I pray that as churches open their doors to their neighborhoods and communities, that God would make Himself very real to the people who attend, and there would be a rich harvest of souls who become devoted to Christ.
There are a number of fall traditions that we celebrate. And, at our house, one of those is the yearly viewing of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". It's a tender amalgamation of various Peanuts comic strips, and while it may seem a little disjointed, as the 1966 animation and voice tracks float seamlessly from the classic Lucy-jerk-away-the-football to the pack of kids going from house to house for "tricks-or-treats" to Linus' misplaced hope that the Great Pumpkin will appear. Of course, throw in Snoopy's delusional World War I flying ace segments and Schroeder's perplexing military tribute, and you have the perfect mix for heartwarming family entertainment.
I think Peanuts was, and continues to be, so popular, because Charles Schulz really nailed the human condition. And, think about the contrast between Charlie Brown and Linus - Charlie Brown "got a rock" at every house, and that kind of typlifies his mindset throughout the Peanuts universe. Linus seems to be the more supernatural one - looking for something beyond himself in which to place hope, and while it was misguided with respect to the Great Pumpkin, by Christmastime he gets it right - "that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown".
The Bible deals with the hopelessness of the human condition but the true hope we can find through a relationshp with God, which is made possible because of Jesus.
From Psalm 42:
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and 6 my God.
You know, I think we all feel from time to time that life puts a rock in our respective bags. But, when you think, "I got a rock", then that becomes a potential defining moment for us - we can either accept that life isn't fair, life is miserable, life is hopeless and live beneath what God has intended, or see that rock in life as an opportunity for growth, for building our testimony for Christ, for allow God to do the work in us that He would intend. It's our choice - we can choose to walk in a state of being downcast, or walk in a state of true hope in Christ.
There are a number of fall traditions that we celebrate. And, at our house, one of those is the yearly viewing of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". It's a tender amalgamation of various Peanuts comic strips, and while it may seem a little disjointed, as the 1966 animation and voice tracks float seamlessly from the classic Lucy-jerk-away-the-football to the pack of kids going from house to house for "tricks-or-treats" to Linus' misplaced hope that the Great Pumpkin will appear. Of course, throw in Snoopy's delusional World War I flying ace segments and Schroeder's perplexing military tribute, and you have the perfect mix for heartwarming family entertainment.
I think Peanuts was, and continues to be, so popular, because Charles Schulz really nailed the human condition. And, think about the contrast between Charlie Brown and Linus - Charlie Brown "got a rock" at every house, and that kind of typlifies his mindset throughout the Peanuts universe. Linus seems to be the more supernatural one - looking for something beyond himself in which to place hope, and while it was misguided with respect to the Great Pumpkin, by Christmastime he gets it right - "that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown".
The Bible deals with the hopelessness of the human condition but the true hope we can find through a relationshp with God, which is made possible because of Jesus.
From Psalm 42:
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and 6 my God.
You know, I think we all feel from time to time that life puts a rock in our respective bags. But, when you think, "I got a rock", then that becomes a potential defining moment for us - we can either accept that life isn't fair, life is miserable, life is hopeless and live beneath what God has intended, or see that rock in life as an opportunity for growth, for building our testimony for Christ, for allow God to do the work in us that He would intend. It's our choice - we can choose to walk in a state of being downcast, or walk in a state of true hope in Christ.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Ambassadors for Christ
2nd Corinthians 5:20 says: Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Article from Christian Examiner.
Nancy Stafford, who played Ben Matlock's daughter on the hit TV series starring Andy Griffith, was presented an Ambassador’s Award Sept. 17 during the 13th annual Media Fellowship International Praise Brunch.
The award is bestowed to Hollywood insiders for their witness for Christ in the entertainment industry.
“I feel overwhelmed,” she told the crowd. “We’re all ambassadors and so I don’t know why I was singled out, but I so appreciate it. We all have the opportunity to bring the light of the Lord into every place that he positions us in and that’s a mandate for everybody.”
On dictionary.com, the word ambassador is defined as:
a diplomatic official of the highest rank, sent by one sovereign or state to another as its resident representative. In its simplest form, the word means an authorized messenger or representative.
I guess you could say that an ambassador is officially a resident of the country he or she is representing. And, we are citizens of another kingdom, actually; because our citizenship is in heaven. And, Peter says to the Christian believers:
11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
So, no matter where you are in life, whatever your occupation or sphere of influence, you're called to be an ambassador, an authorized representative of the kingdom of heaven. And, even when the apostle Paul was imprisoned, he did not back away from that ambassador's role. He asked hat people would pray for him: that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
So, we speak and act as citizens of heaven, prompted and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
Article from Christian Examiner.
Nancy Stafford, who played Ben Matlock's daughter on the hit TV series starring Andy Griffith, was presented an Ambassador’s Award Sept. 17 during the 13th annual Media Fellowship International Praise Brunch.
The award is bestowed to Hollywood insiders for their witness for Christ in the entertainment industry.
“I feel overwhelmed,” she told the crowd. “We’re all ambassadors and so I don’t know why I was singled out, but I so appreciate it. We all have the opportunity to bring the light of the Lord into every place that he positions us in and that’s a mandate for everybody.”
On dictionary.com, the word ambassador is defined as:
a diplomatic official of the highest rank, sent by one sovereign or state to another as its resident representative. In its simplest form, the word means an authorized messenger or representative.
I guess you could say that an ambassador is officially a resident of the country he or she is representing. And, we are citizens of another kingdom, actually; because our citizenship is in heaven. And, Peter says to the Christian believers:
11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
So, no matter where you are in life, whatever your occupation or sphere of influence, you're called to be an ambassador, an authorized representative of the kingdom of heaven. And, even when the apostle Paul was imprisoned, he did not back away from that ambassador's role. He asked hat people would pray for him: that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
So, we speak and act as citizens of heaven, prompted and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Agents of Justice
From Zephaniah chapter 2
3 Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth,
Who have upheld His justice.
Seek righteousness, seek humility.
It may be that you will be hidden
In the day of the LORD’s anger.
I believe that God's heart is for justice - the Bible is full of references to how a just God will bring His judgment on the earth. But, we also see how God is a merciful God - He has spared those of us who call upon the name of His Son from eternal punishment. And, as ambassadors of Christ, I believe that we are called to be agents of justice for those who are oppressed.
Sara Groves and I discussed that the other day on TMH.
She's involved with one of so many social justice ministries - International Justice Mission, who is reaching out to victims of human trafficking and slavery, and other forms of violent oppression. Christian artists such as Sara and Natalie Grant have reached out to use the platform God has given them to bring justice to the oppressed.
Tom Davis of Children's Hopechest is another person whom God is using to speak out for the oppressed. In fact, recently, his organizations and others, such as Adventures in Missions, are speaking out on a disturbing situation involving the Son of God orphanage in Haiti, which was closed recently as a result of unsanitary conditions. The director had been arrested on suspicions of human trafficking. According to Tom's blog on BeliefNet:
Following the news of relocation for the children at Son of God Orphanage, many relief organization members traveled to Haiti in order to help the children adjust to the transition process. At the completion of the process, official organizations had told relief workers that 39 children had been relocated.
“When we arrived at the girls’ orphanage we found 31 of the girls who were previously at Son of God. We expected that there would be 8 boys at the other orphanage since we were told that 39 children were relocated. We found 9 boys at the other orphanage, and there are still 46 children that are unaccounted for. None of the government organizations involved seem to know where they are,” said an anonymous source on the ground in Haiti.
Efforts continue from personnel...to locate the missing children, ensure the safety of the relocated children, and push for a full and thorough investigation of anyone involved in the situation.
“Now more than ever it is important that the momentum continues, and the Haitian government hears the truth, finds these missing children, and thoroughly investigates Son of God and possibly over 20 other orphanages abusing innocent children,” said Bob Mudd, COO of Children’s HopeChest.
The organizations continue to call on the global community to sign the petition and distribute to as many people as possible, “Every day that passes lessens our chance of finding these children,” continued Mudd. The petition and more information can be found at http://www.change.org/petitions/ambassador-of-the-republic-of-haiti-close-the-son-of-god-orphanage-and-investigate-ibesr.
Here is just one instance that can motivate us to ask God to lead us to people who are oppressed to whom we can bring His love.
3 Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth,
Who have upheld His justice.
Seek righteousness, seek humility.
It may be that you will be hidden
In the day of the LORD’s anger.
I believe that God's heart is for justice - the Bible is full of references to how a just God will bring His judgment on the earth. But, we also see how God is a merciful God - He has spared those of us who call upon the name of His Son from eternal punishment. And, as ambassadors of Christ, I believe that we are called to be agents of justice for those who are oppressed.
Sara Groves and I discussed that the other day on TMH.
She's involved with one of so many social justice ministries - International Justice Mission, who is reaching out to victims of human trafficking and slavery, and other forms of violent oppression. Christian artists such as Sara and Natalie Grant have reached out to use the platform God has given them to bring justice to the oppressed.
Tom Davis of Children's Hopechest is another person whom God is using to speak out for the oppressed. In fact, recently, his organizations and others, such as Adventures in Missions, are speaking out on a disturbing situation involving the Son of God orphanage in Haiti, which was closed recently as a result of unsanitary conditions. The director had been arrested on suspicions of human trafficking. According to Tom's blog on BeliefNet:
Following the news of relocation for the children at Son of God Orphanage, many relief organization members traveled to Haiti in order to help the children adjust to the transition process. At the completion of the process, official organizations had told relief workers that 39 children had been relocated.
“When we arrived at the girls’ orphanage we found 31 of the girls who were previously at Son of God. We expected that there would be 8 boys at the other orphanage since we were told that 39 children were relocated. We found 9 boys at the other orphanage, and there are still 46 children that are unaccounted for. None of the government organizations involved seem to know where they are,” said an anonymous source on the ground in Haiti.
Efforts continue from personnel...to locate the missing children, ensure the safety of the relocated children, and push for a full and thorough investigation of anyone involved in the situation.
“Now more than ever it is important that the momentum continues, and the Haitian government hears the truth, finds these missing children, and thoroughly investigates Son of God and possibly over 20 other orphanages abusing innocent children,” said Bob Mudd, COO of Children’s HopeChest.
The organizations continue to call on the global community to sign the petition and distribute to as many people as possible, “Every day that passes lessens our chance of finding these children,” continued Mudd. The petition and more information can be found at http://www.change.org/petitions/ambassador-of-the-republic-of-haiti-close-the-son-of-god-orphanage-and-investigate-ibesr.
Here is just one instance that can motivate us to ask God to lead us to people who are oppressed to whom we can bring His love.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
What Do Ya Crave?
Laura's fault! Lenny's fault!
Big Fib! Puts on a bib.
Lookin' down at Junior like a hunk-a juicy McRib.
Here I come. See me fly.
Saw the signal in the sky.
Super suction comes to action.
McRib - that quirky sandwich that McDonald's only puts on its menu once a year or so - is back under selected Golden Arches.
It is a BBQ-sauce-drenched sandwich with a cult following. It's a boneless-pork sandwich available at the fast food chain's approximately 14,000 U.S. locations through November 14th, though there will be a few franchises that don't carry it, McDonald's spokeswoman Danya Proud said.
"The McRib has an enthusiastic and dedicated fan base," said McDonald's U.S. marketing director Marta Fearon. "And we thank those customers for contributing to our decision to bring back the McRib nationwide in 2011."
The McRib -- which does not, in fact, contain ribs -- returned from a 16-year hiatus for several weeks in the fall of last year. Its stint on the market led to a 4.8% U.S. sales increase in November 2010 for McDonald's overall, compared to the same month a year earlier.
It's a food so popular that customers demand it, reportedly. So, McRib fans, savor the flavor, cause it's not going to last.
You know, it's interesting what we crave...McRib is a case in point. Seems like we sometimes go bonkers over things that are temporary - And, it really can cause us to think about our spiritual cravings -
Jesus said in Matthew 5:6...Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
He has promised us living water and the bread of life, boldly telling us that we will never thirst again, or never go hungry. But our temporary, physical cravings can so often get in the way of our eternal, spiritual cravings. The question for us is: what do you crave?
Big Fib! Puts on a bib.
Lookin' down at Junior like a hunk-a juicy McRib.
Here I come. See me fly.
Saw the signal in the sky.
Super suction comes to action.
McRib - that quirky sandwich that McDonald's only puts on its menu once a year or so - is back under selected Golden Arches.
It is a BBQ-sauce-drenched sandwich with a cult following. It's a boneless-pork sandwich available at the fast food chain's approximately 14,000 U.S. locations through November 14th, though there will be a few franchises that don't carry it, McDonald's spokeswoman Danya Proud said.
"The McRib has an enthusiastic and dedicated fan base," said McDonald's U.S. marketing director Marta Fearon. "And we thank those customers for contributing to our decision to bring back the McRib nationwide in 2011."
The McRib -- which does not, in fact, contain ribs -- returned from a 16-year hiatus for several weeks in the fall of last year. Its stint on the market led to a 4.8% U.S. sales increase in November 2010 for McDonald's overall, compared to the same month a year earlier.
It's a food so popular that customers demand it, reportedly. So, McRib fans, savor the flavor, cause it's not going to last.
You know, it's interesting what we crave...McRib is a case in point. Seems like we sometimes go bonkers over things that are temporary - And, it really can cause us to think about our spiritual cravings -
Jesus said in Matthew 5:6...Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
He has promised us living water and the bread of life, boldly telling us that we will never thirst again, or never go hungry. But our temporary, physical cravings can so often get in the way of our eternal, spiritual cravings. The question for us is: what do you crave?
Monday, October 24, 2011
You Were Born for This
(The apostle Paul is praying for the Ephesians) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
Bruce Wilkinson is in Montgomery this week for the "You Were Born for This" conference at Frazer. His book by the same name is centered around the concept of everyday miracles. While that may seem really "out there" to some of us, if we really believe that God has created each of us and given us a purpose, a reason for being here on this earth, then it's vital that we realize what that purpose is - and I do think it involves being used of the Lord to deliver answers to prayer, even answers that cannot be explained by any other means except by the supernatural hand of God.
God wants us to think supernaturally - that's the spiritual wavelength on which He operates. If we're walking int he spirit, then we can be more sensitized to how He desires to work - as Ephesians 1 says, that the eyes of our understanding may be enlightened. If we see with spiritual eyes, we will be equipped to be used of the Lord to be a human delivery system for heavenly blessings. But we have to know how and when the Spirit is working in and around us! If we desire it, then we can trust the Lord to show it to us.
Bruce Wilkinson is in Montgomery this week for the "You Were Born for This" conference at Frazer. His book by the same name is centered around the concept of everyday miracles. While that may seem really "out there" to some of us, if we really believe that God has created each of us and given us a purpose, a reason for being here on this earth, then it's vital that we realize what that purpose is - and I do think it involves being used of the Lord to deliver answers to prayer, even answers that cannot be explained by any other means except by the supernatural hand of God.
God wants us to think supernaturally - that's the spiritual wavelength on which He operates. If we're walking int he spirit, then we can be more sensitized to how He desires to work - as Ephesians 1 says, that the eyes of our understanding may be enlightened. If we see with spiritual eyes, we will be equipped to be used of the Lord to be a human delivery system for heavenly blessings. But we have to know how and when the Spirit is working in and around us! If we desire it, then we can trust the Lord to show it to us.
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Right Environment
The environment around Zanesville, Ohio is a bit more calm after the tragedy described by renowned zookeeper Jack Hanna as “Noah’s Ark wrecked”. The owner of an exotic animal farm set all the residents free before taking his own life this week, and plenty of questions remain. 48 animals were shot and buried on the property, including 18 tigers, nine lions, eight lionesses, three mountain lions, six black bears, two grizzly bears and a baboon. 6 others were taken to the Columbus Zoo.
Apparently, this exotic animal farm had not been without controversy. The owner, Terry Thompson, kept animals for many years, and that his officials had visited his place some 30 or 35 times since 2004 for reports of animal cruelty and other offenses. Thompson had been convicted of animal cruelty back in 2005. A law banning the keeping of exotic animals in Ohio had been allowed to expire, and now there is consideration of reinstating it.
I believe the Bible teaches that we have a responsibility to care for his creation. In Genesis 1, we read:
26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all[b] the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Dominion does not mean domination, and with the duty of creation care comes responsibility. The abuse of animals is not within the call to have dominion. And, in our humane care for animals, it’s important that we maintain for them a proper environment for them to thrive. And, sometimes that means just leaving them alone in the wild.
These animals in Ohio were not in a proper environment – inside the fences of the property, apparently – and certainly not outside…once they were free, they were a threat to the population around them, and even feeble attempts at sedation were not effective.
An animal, or human, out of the proper environment, will not survive for very long. I am thankful that our Creator has made for us on planet Earth a stable and life-giving environment. For those who believe there is no evidence of design, consider just a few facts: Earth’s atmosphere has the right mix of oxygen in order to sustain life, and our bodies interact just perfectly with that atmosphere. Too much oxygen, and we suffocate, too little, and we cannot breathe properly. Earth is exactly the right distance from the Sun…too far away, or too close, as we see with planets such as Mars or Venus, and our bodies would not survive. We have been given a wonderful planet, described in a DVD on intelligent design as a “Privleged Planet”, God has placed us in a celestial home that we should never take for granted.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Victory Lap?
Libyan strongman Mohammar Gadhafi was captured today in his hometown, and then shot at close range as Libyan rebels were transporting him. The President of the United States basically took credit for the demise of Gadhafi: "Without putting a single U.S. service member on the ground, we achieved our objectives, and our NATO mission will soon come to an end," Mr. Obama said.
"For the region, today's events prove once more that the rule of an iron fist inevitably comes to an end. Across the Arab world, citizens have stood up to claim their rights," he added.
The president added that the U.S. will stand by Libya as it travels "a long and winding road to full democracy."
"There will be difficult days ahead but the United States, together with the international community, is committed to the Libyan people. You have won your revolution." That sounds good, but who is in charge, and who will ultimately be in charge? Is the U.S. committed to the Libyan rebels, who may be under the control of radical groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood?
Here's Jimmy DeYoung from March of this year. (March 23)
But let's remember President Obama's position in March of this year:
"To brush aside America's responsibility as a leader and - more profoundly - our responsibilities to our fellow human beings under such circumstances would have been a betrayal of who we are. Some nations may be able to turn a blind eye to atrocities in other countries. The United States of America is different. And as President, I refused to wait for the images of slaughter and mass graves before taking action," he said.
"I said that America's role would be limited; that we would not put ground troops into Libya; that we would focus our unique capabilities on the front end of the operation, and that we would transfer responsibility to our allies and partners.
Mr. Obama also said that NATO would take responsibility for protecting Libyan citizens, in addition to the no-fly zone, on Wednesday.
The U.S. will play more of a supporting role, "including intelligence, logistical support, search and rescue assistance, and capabilities to jam regime communications."
"As we have in Libya, our task is instead to mobilize the international community for collective action," Mr. Obama said. "Because contrary to the claims of some, American leadership is not simply a matter of going it alone and bearing all of the burden ourselves. Real leadership creates the conditions and coalitions for others to step up as well; to work with allies and partners so that they bear their share of the burden and pay their share of the costs; and to see that the principles of justice and human dignity are upheld by all."
Gadhafi was a brutal dictator, and he was essentially a mass murderer. But, what can we expect now? And, what about thousands of portable surface-to-air missiles that are missing from Libya. Some of those missiles have been found near the border of the Gaza Strip.
But, just as in the case of Osama bin-Laden, I don't think as Christians that we rejoice in someone's death, especially someone who has shown no evidence of knowing Jesus Christ. But, temporarily Libya is better off without Gadhafi, but how much better and for how long? Pray for the Libyan people.
"For the region, today's events prove once more that the rule of an iron fist inevitably comes to an end. Across the Arab world, citizens have stood up to claim their rights," he added.
The president added that the U.S. will stand by Libya as it travels "a long and winding road to full democracy."
"There will be difficult days ahead but the United States, together with the international community, is committed to the Libyan people. You have won your revolution." That sounds good, but who is in charge, and who will ultimately be in charge? Is the U.S. committed to the Libyan rebels, who may be under the control of radical groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood?
Here's Jimmy DeYoung from March of this year. (March 23)
But let's remember President Obama's position in March of this year:
"To brush aside America's responsibility as a leader and - more profoundly - our responsibilities to our fellow human beings under such circumstances would have been a betrayal of who we are. Some nations may be able to turn a blind eye to atrocities in other countries. The United States of America is different. And as President, I refused to wait for the images of slaughter and mass graves before taking action," he said.
"I said that America's role would be limited; that we would not put ground troops into Libya; that we would focus our unique capabilities on the front end of the operation, and that we would transfer responsibility to our allies and partners.
Mr. Obama also said that NATO would take responsibility for protecting Libyan citizens, in addition to the no-fly zone, on Wednesday.
The U.S. will play more of a supporting role, "including intelligence, logistical support, search and rescue assistance, and capabilities to jam regime communications."
"As we have in Libya, our task is instead to mobilize the international community for collective action," Mr. Obama said. "Because contrary to the claims of some, American leadership is not simply a matter of going it alone and bearing all of the burden ourselves. Real leadership creates the conditions and coalitions for others to step up as well; to work with allies and partners so that they bear their share of the burden and pay their share of the costs; and to see that the principles of justice and human dignity are upheld by all."
Gadhafi was a brutal dictator, and he was essentially a mass murderer. But, what can we expect now? And, what about thousands of portable surface-to-air missiles that are missing from Libya. Some of those missiles have been found near the border of the Gaza Strip.
But, just as in the case of Osama bin-Laden, I don't think as Christians that we rejoice in someone's death, especially someone who has shown no evidence of knowing Jesus Christ. But, temporarily Libya is better off without Gadhafi, but how much better and for how long? Pray for the Libyan people.
Gonna Make You Stronger
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you ...
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you ...
Those are the words of a song from Mandisa, who is actually encouraging fans to contact “The Biggest Loser” TV show in order for that song to perhaps be sung on the finale of this season. Find out more at mandisaofficial.com. She, in fact, has gone public on some of her struggles with weight, and so, obviously there would be a compatibility there, you would think. She’s lost 100 pounds since Simon Cowell told her on American Idol that they were going to have to get a bigger stage for her.
And, her song, “Stronger” really reflects a Biblical perspectives on the struggles that we face.
In fact, he was able to share his faith perspective in, of all places, the Huffington Post.
Did you find solace in religion?
I've always been a religious guy, but not overly religious. I've always believed in God and Jesus. I pray. But at the time, I went through stages that most people go through when this happens. The "Why me?" Then I got mad at God…I was getting geared up to be the next action man in Hollywood." It certainly hurt my career, which I wasn’t happy about, but with God I finally got to a point where I was told by a couple of people that I had to look at it as a gift. It was hard for me to do.
How do you look at three strokes as a gift?
It didn't kill me. It certainly made me stronger. It pushed me to become a bigger and stronger man -- physically and mentally.
As Sorbo said in the interview, everyone has a story, and he said he is able to identify more with people who have physical challenges. So, what’s your story? What difficulty are your facing – has it become something so overwhelming that you are paralyzed by it? In the midst of it all, we can turn to the Lord, gain His perspective, and allow Him to teach us and ultimately strengthen us.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Faith & Frivolity in Vegas
There has been much commentary over the latest contest in the fall's favorite spectator sport, next to college football. It was another Republican Presidential debate in Las Vegas, about which Newt Gingrich said was a great place to have a convention - apparently, this was a swipe at President Obama, who had called on organizations to not visit Vegas. Here are few bullet points from my observations and comments from various experts:
A so-so night for Herman Cain - other candidates dissed his 9-9-9 plan, and he seemed a bit light on countering the claims, preferring to direct people to his website. He needs to develop some talking points to quickly defend a complex plan that is attracting quite a bit of attention. He stumbled on his response to a reference to a converation he had with CNN's Wolf Blitzer earlier about a hypothetical scenario regarding whether or not he would release the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay in exchange for an American POW. He said that he would need to know a great deal of information in order to make that decision, as he was confident that Netanyahu did.
Romney once again was fairly cool and Presidential, even when facing criticism from Santorum and Gingrich about the health care plan he pushed through in Mass. He was taken aback when Governor Perry chided him for hiring illegal immigrants - he said that he hired a company to do lawn work and was not aware they had hired illegals. He and Perry did get into a bit of heated conversation. Perry was complimented by some for having more energy in this debate than his previous 2 outings. Way too much discussion of the immigration issue, in my opinion. Romney kept accusing Perry and Santorum of interrupting him and not allowing him to have his say. Santorum nails the values issues, speaks very well, but seems to be stressed out that he is not getting the attention he thinks he should. Ron Paul was, well Ron Paul, the contrarian with libertarian tendencies. Michele Bachmann speaks well, but really did not get a lot of screen time - I think that she made a weak attempt toward the end to remind listeners that the Republican race was ultimately about defeating Obama.
Gingrich played the part of the wise, seasoned sage - in fact, he has appeared on TV and radio to analyze the debate that he participated in. He almost seems about the fray. Sarah Palin & Eric Erickson thought he won; he is obviously a big idea person, but does he have too much baggage?
One of the more interesting discourses had to do with the faith issue, which has risen to the top since 1st Baptist Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress' comments at the Values Voter Summit regarding Romney's Mormonism and his view that it was a cult. Here are some excerpts from by Christianity Today on the discussion:
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who are both Roman Catholic, argued that faith says a lot about a candidate.
“It's a legitimate thing to look at as to what the tenets and teachings of that faith are with respect to how you live your life and how you would govern this country,” Santorum said. “With respect to what is the road to salvation, that's a whole different story. That's not applicable to what the role is of being the president or a senator or any other job.”
Gingrich offered a similar view. “None of us should rush in judgment of others in the way in which they approach God,” Gingrich said. “But I think all of us would also agree that there's a very central part of your faith in how you approach public life. And I, frankly, would be really worried if somebody assured me that nothing in their faith would affect their judgments, because then I'd wonder, where's your judgment -- how can you have judgment if you have no faith? And how can I trust you with power if you don't pray?”
Texas Gov. Rick Perry simply said his faith is ingrained. "I can no more remove my faith than I can that I'm the son of a tenant farmer," he said.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, as a Mormon, faced public resistance to his religion during his 2008 run for the nomination. The issue has only recently haunted his candidacy this cycle, highlighted again with comments made by a Southern Baptist pastor--and Perry supporter--Robert Jeffress’ that ignited a controversy at a summit hosted by the Family Research Council.
"I don't suggest you distance yourself from your faith any more than I would,” Romney told Perry. “[But] the founders of this country went to great length to make sure -- and even put it in the Constitution -- that we would not choose people who represent us in government based upon their religion, that this would be a nation that recognized and respected other faiths, where there's a plurality of faiths, where there was tolerance for other people and faiths.”
Romney took advantage of the topic to criticize “the concept that we select people based on the church or the synagogue they go to,” which he called “very dangerous and an enormous departure from the principles of our Constitution.”
Romney added, “With regards to the disparaging comments about my faith, I've heard worse, so I'm not going to lose sleep over that.”
In an op-ed for the Washington Post published Tuesday, Jeffress said critics were attempting to eliminate a discussion about religion from political discourse, arguing that “our religious beliefs define the very essence of who we are.”
A so-so night for Herman Cain - other candidates dissed his 9-9-9 plan, and he seemed a bit light on countering the claims, preferring to direct people to his website. He needs to develop some talking points to quickly defend a complex plan that is attracting quite a bit of attention. He stumbled on his response to a reference to a converation he had with CNN's Wolf Blitzer earlier about a hypothetical scenario regarding whether or not he would release the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay in exchange for an American POW. He said that he would need to know a great deal of information in order to make that decision, as he was confident that Netanyahu did.
Romney once again was fairly cool and Presidential, even when facing criticism from Santorum and Gingrich about the health care plan he pushed through in Mass. He was taken aback when Governor Perry chided him for hiring illegal immigrants - he said that he hired a company to do lawn work and was not aware they had hired illegals. He and Perry did get into a bit of heated conversation. Perry was complimented by some for having more energy in this debate than his previous 2 outings. Way too much discussion of the immigration issue, in my opinion. Romney kept accusing Perry and Santorum of interrupting him and not allowing him to have his say. Santorum nails the values issues, speaks very well, but seems to be stressed out that he is not getting the attention he thinks he should. Ron Paul was, well Ron Paul, the contrarian with libertarian tendencies. Michele Bachmann speaks well, but really did not get a lot of screen time - I think that she made a weak attempt toward the end to remind listeners that the Republican race was ultimately about defeating Obama.
Gingrich played the part of the wise, seasoned sage - in fact, he has appeared on TV and radio to analyze the debate that he participated in. He almost seems about the fray. Sarah Palin & Eric Erickson thought he won; he is obviously a big idea person, but does he have too much baggage?
One of the more interesting discourses had to do with the faith issue, which has risen to the top since 1st Baptist Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress' comments at the Values Voter Summit regarding Romney's Mormonism and his view that it was a cult. Here are some excerpts from by Christianity Today on the discussion:
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who are both Roman Catholic, argued that faith says a lot about a candidate.
“It's a legitimate thing to look at as to what the tenets and teachings of that faith are with respect to how you live your life and how you would govern this country,” Santorum said. “With respect to what is the road to salvation, that's a whole different story. That's not applicable to what the role is of being the president or a senator or any other job.”
Gingrich offered a similar view. “None of us should rush in judgment of others in the way in which they approach God,” Gingrich said. “But I think all of us would also agree that there's a very central part of your faith in how you approach public life. And I, frankly, would be really worried if somebody assured me that nothing in their faith would affect their judgments, because then I'd wonder, where's your judgment -- how can you have judgment if you have no faith? And how can I trust you with power if you don't pray?”
Texas Gov. Rick Perry simply said his faith is ingrained. "I can no more remove my faith than I can that I'm the son of a tenant farmer," he said.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, as a Mormon, faced public resistance to his religion during his 2008 run for the nomination. The issue has only recently haunted his candidacy this cycle, highlighted again with comments made by a Southern Baptist pastor--and Perry supporter--Robert Jeffress’ that ignited a controversy at a summit hosted by the Family Research Council.
"I don't suggest you distance yourself from your faith any more than I would,” Romney told Perry. “[But] the founders of this country went to great length to make sure -- and even put it in the Constitution -- that we would not choose people who represent us in government based upon their religion, that this would be a nation that recognized and respected other faiths, where there's a plurality of faiths, where there was tolerance for other people and faiths.”
Romney took advantage of the topic to criticize “the concept that we select people based on the church or the synagogue they go to,” which he called “very dangerous and an enormous departure from the principles of our Constitution.”
Romney added, “With regards to the disparaging comments about my faith, I've heard worse, so I'm not going to lose sleep over that.”
In an op-ed for the Washington Post published Tuesday, Jeffress said critics were attempting to eliminate a discussion about religion from political discourse, arguing that “our religious beliefs define the very essence of who we are.”
World Series Wonders
Two of the most dominating athletes in all of Major League Baseball AND two of the most outspoken Christians in the sport will be taking the field tonight in St. Louis.
For the home team, the Cardinals, it's Albert Pujols...he writes:
"Over the last decade my life has radically changed. I went from being a kid with a dream in the Dominican Republic, to playing professional baseball, Rookie of the Year, National League MVP, and winning a Gold Glove and World Championship!
What has not changed is my love for Jesus Christ. In the spring of 1998, my soon to be wife, Deidre, began sharing with me the love of Jesus. My most exciting moment came when I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life. If it weren't for Jesus, I would not be where I am today and my life would be without purpose. I've heard kids say they want to be just like me when they grow up. They should know I want to be just like Jesus."
According to CBN: He feels it’s his duty to share his heart with others around the world.
“If they don’t know the Lord, I encourage them to search for and open their hearts and their eyes. If something happens to me tomorrow, I’m going to go to heaven and that’s for sure because God’s promised to us in the Bible. I want to make sure that those people out there feel the same. At the end of the day as long as I glorify him and those 45,000 people know who I represent out there every time I step out on the field, that’s what it’s about. It’s about representing God.”
And for the Texas Rangers, Josh Hamilton:
Josh accepted Christ during his teen years, but began experimenting with drugs and alcohol following a car accident that almost took his life. His addictions led to his being suspended from baseball, but his wife, Katie, held on to hope that one day, Josh would play the game again.
According to CBN.com:
"I was watching Katie and her relationship with God strengthen so much -- her leaning on Him and depending on Him when I was doing that to her," he says. "That started sinking in a month or two after I started getting back together and going back to church again."
Josh and Katie reconciled, and with God’s help gave up drugs and alcohol. Then, Josh was baptized.
"Just watching the transformation that God has made in Josh’s life .. I mean it’s just been so awesome and such a gift from the Lord to see what He’s done in him," says Katie.
After three years away from baseball, the league reinstated Josh Hamilton. In spring training 2007, a shock to the baseball world, the Cincinnati Reds added Josh to their roster. A year later, he was traded to the Rangers, and his career took off.
And these days, he won’t even touch alcohol. He relapsed for one well-publicized night in Phoenix in 2009, which caused him to realize that it was a temptation he did not need to play with. In fact, he stays away from champagne celebrations to mark the Rangers' success.
"People think there are coincidences in life. There are no coincidences when God’s got a plan. It’s nothing I did except try to make the right choices and let God take over from there. There’s one solid and permanent way out of it, and that’s finding the Lord Jesus Christ and accepting Him."
Here's the song that is played at The Ballpark at Arlington when Josh steps to the plate (Saved the Day - PCD)
For the home team, the Cardinals, it's Albert Pujols...he writes:
"Over the last decade my life has radically changed. I went from being a kid with a dream in the Dominican Republic, to playing professional baseball, Rookie of the Year, National League MVP, and winning a Gold Glove and World Championship!
What has not changed is my love for Jesus Christ. In the spring of 1998, my soon to be wife, Deidre, began sharing with me the love of Jesus. My most exciting moment came when I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life. If it weren't for Jesus, I would not be where I am today and my life would be without purpose. I've heard kids say they want to be just like me when they grow up. They should know I want to be just like Jesus."
According to CBN: He feels it’s his duty to share his heart with others around the world.
“If they don’t know the Lord, I encourage them to search for and open their hearts and their eyes. If something happens to me tomorrow, I’m going to go to heaven and that’s for sure because God’s promised to us in the Bible. I want to make sure that those people out there feel the same. At the end of the day as long as I glorify him and those 45,000 people know who I represent out there every time I step out on the field, that’s what it’s about. It’s about representing God.”
And for the Texas Rangers, Josh Hamilton:
Josh accepted Christ during his teen years, but began experimenting with drugs and alcohol following a car accident that almost took his life. His addictions led to his being suspended from baseball, but his wife, Katie, held on to hope that one day, Josh would play the game again.
According to CBN.com:
"I was watching Katie and her relationship with God strengthen so much -- her leaning on Him and depending on Him when I was doing that to her," he says. "That started sinking in a month or two after I started getting back together and going back to church again."
Josh and Katie reconciled, and with God’s help gave up drugs and alcohol. Then, Josh was baptized.
"Just watching the transformation that God has made in Josh’s life .. I mean it’s just been so awesome and such a gift from the Lord to see what He’s done in him," says Katie.
After three years away from baseball, the league reinstated Josh Hamilton. In spring training 2007, a shock to the baseball world, the Cincinnati Reds added Josh to their roster. A year later, he was traded to the Rangers, and his career took off.
And these days, he won’t even touch alcohol. He relapsed for one well-publicized night in Phoenix in 2009, which caused him to realize that it was a temptation he did not need to play with. In fact, he stays away from champagne celebrations to mark the Rangers' success.
"People think there are coincidences in life. There are no coincidences when God’s got a plan. It’s nothing I did except try to make the right choices and let God take over from there. There’s one solid and permanent way out of it, and that’s finding the Lord Jesus Christ and accepting Him."
Here's the song that is played at The Ballpark at Arlington when Josh steps to the plate (Saved the Day - PCD)
Destiny: Doomsday
It was predicted to be a "doomsday" comet, but in the end, it broke up in pieces and skirted Earth by a small margin of 22 million miles. So, goes the story of Comet Elinin. It made its flyover on Sunday, and the dire predictions of catastrophic earthquakes and tsunamis did not materialize. Some had even said that the comet was a rogue planet that could slam into earth and usher in the Apocalypse.
So, after a journey through space, including an encounter with solar flares, the debris of Elenin was negligible in the night sky.
There is a great fascination with doomsday, or apocalyptic scenarios - blockbuster movies have attracted viewers by portraying either the imminent threats to earth or the aftermath of the eradication of life as we know it. And, the prediction of the "end of the world" by a California preacher back in May 21 became a major news story and even - a trending topic on Twitter. The Mayan calendar ends next year, giving rise to more apocalyptic speculation, especially in light of the projections of some deadly solar flares that threaten the electrical grids of cities across America.
The Bible has much to say about the future...how about this from the 3rd chapter of 2nd Peter:
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
So verse 10 gives us that apocalyptic prediction, of which we can be assured, because all that is written in God's Word about the future, including the coming of Jesus the Messiah, has come true. In light of the future we all face, He gives us specific instructions - living our lives in the Spirit, facing the future expectantly, and sharing the gospel passionately, because he says in verse 9 of the same chapter:
9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Because we can be assured that the future will unfold just as God says it will, we can ask ourselves, "are we ready?" "Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ and the assurance that you will live with Him forever in heaven?" And, as Jimmy DeYoung will share with us later in today's program, the signs are lining up, setting the stage for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
So, after a journey through space, including an encounter with solar flares, the debris of Elenin was negligible in the night sky.
There is a great fascination with doomsday, or apocalyptic scenarios - blockbuster movies have attracted viewers by portraying either the imminent threats to earth or the aftermath of the eradication of life as we know it. And, the prediction of the "end of the world" by a California preacher back in May 21 became a major news story and even - a trending topic on Twitter. The Mayan calendar ends next year, giving rise to more apocalyptic speculation, especially in light of the projections of some deadly solar flares that threaten the electrical grids of cities across America.
The Bible has much to say about the future...how about this from the 3rd chapter of 2nd Peter:
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
So verse 10 gives us that apocalyptic prediction, of which we can be assured, because all that is written in God's Word about the future, including the coming of Jesus the Messiah, has come true. In light of the future we all face, He gives us specific instructions - living our lives in the Spirit, facing the future expectantly, and sharing the gospel passionately, because he says in verse 9 of the same chapter:
9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Because we can be assured that the future will unfold just as God says it will, we can ask ourselves, "are we ready?" "Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ and the assurance that you will live with Him forever in heaven?" And, as Jimmy DeYoung will share with us later in today's program, the signs are lining up, setting the stage for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Time to Forgive
We are continuing to watch the amazing progress of the movie, "Courageous", which added theaters this past weekend and has now surpassed the $21 million mark. It was in the top 10 again this week and out of the top 10 films, it was fifth in per-screen average. If it continues on its current trajectory, it will no doubt pass the previous Sherwood Pictures film, "Fireproof", and could enter the top 5 of Christian films in history, according to Box Office Mojo. Those 5 are: 5) Nativity Story, at a modest $37 million, then the 3 Narnia films: Dawn Treader at #4, Caspian at 3, and the Lion, the Witch, and Wardrobe at #2. The top Christian film of all time, oh yes, remember it: The Passion of the Christ.
And, it's only fitting that the depiction of our Lord's crucifixion and the circumstances leading up to it should be the most-watched. And, it was inspired and carried out by the most imperfect of characters, who really needs to experience God's forgiveness - but don't we all? Mel Gibson, who was told he would never work again in Hollywood after making the blatantly religious film, the same Mel Gibson who gained unwanted attention for his anti-Semitic comments while being pulled over for DUI in 2006. The same Mel who divorced his wife, then entered into a stormy relationship with another woman, who bore his child.
Mel Gibson is working again - he has appeared in a few films, including his latest, The Beaver. And, he's reportedly making a movie about the life of Jewish hero Judah Maccabee, whose exploits are celebrated at Hanukkah. Randall Wallace, who directed Mel in Braveheart and We Were Soldiers divulged that he is in the process of making a film with Mel. And, from an unlikely source, Robert Downey, Jr., at an awards ceremony last week, called on Hollywood to forgive Mel Gibson.
It's pretty amazing to hear that topic brought up in the entertainment realm - glossing over iniquity, yes; forgiveness - well, not so much! And, it brings to mind that we are all fallen creatures and don't deserve to be forgiven, but by God's grace and Christ's death of the cross, we can know true forgiveness.
And, we are called to forgive others...Mark 11:25 makes it plain:
25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”[g]
I don't know the condition of Mel Gibson's heart, but I do know the content of Mel Gibson's work on The Passion. As we reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross so that we might experience forgiveness and freedom from sin, we can experience that freedom to an even greater degree by letting go of bitter and resentful thoughts and emotions and release the incredible power of God's forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
And, it's only fitting that the depiction of our Lord's crucifixion and the circumstances leading up to it should be the most-watched. And, it was inspired and carried out by the most imperfect of characters, who really needs to experience God's forgiveness - but don't we all? Mel Gibson, who was told he would never work again in Hollywood after making the blatantly religious film, the same Mel Gibson who gained unwanted attention for his anti-Semitic comments while being pulled over for DUI in 2006. The same Mel who divorced his wife, then entered into a stormy relationship with another woman, who bore his child.
Mel Gibson is working again - he has appeared in a few films, including his latest, The Beaver. And, he's reportedly making a movie about the life of Jewish hero Judah Maccabee, whose exploits are celebrated at Hanukkah. Randall Wallace, who directed Mel in Braveheart and We Were Soldiers divulged that he is in the process of making a film with Mel. And, from an unlikely source, Robert Downey, Jr., at an awards ceremony last week, called on Hollywood to forgive Mel Gibson.
It's pretty amazing to hear that topic brought up in the entertainment realm - glossing over iniquity, yes; forgiveness - well, not so much! And, it brings to mind that we are all fallen creatures and don't deserve to be forgiven, but by God's grace and Christ's death of the cross, we can know true forgiveness.
And, we are called to forgive others...Mark 11:25 makes it plain:
25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”[g]
I don't know the condition of Mel Gibson's heart, but I do know the content of Mel Gibson's work on The Passion. As we reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross so that we might experience forgiveness and freedom from sin, we can experience that freedom to an even greater degree by letting go of bitter and resentful thoughts and emotions and release the incredible power of God's forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Occupy Till He Comes
It's troubling and a bit fascinating to see these protesters as they take to the streets in cities large and small in the so-called "Occupy Wall Street" movement - and while there is apparently no central message, it does show the anger and frustration of many people who, for whatever reason, are decrying a perceived lack of justice and fairness in our society.
They decry corporations, but spread their message using tools manufactured by these large corporations. They want jobs, but then vilify the job creators. They generalize and rail against corporate greed, and demonstrate a lack of understanding of a free market system that is designed to reward work and to reinforce responsibility. Sure there are abuses, but these foundational principles have stood the test of time.
They want fairness, but would like to see the non-productive rewarded to the same degree as the productive. And, many don't feel the government is doing enough to bring about this utopian, equitable society. I'm not sure what the endgame is here, because certainly corporations, who are accountable to stockholders, are not necessarily going to change their ways due to groups of people that camp out for days in local parks and in some cases, attempt to defy law enforcement.
The word, "justice" is used quite often - and that was a theme apparent in yesterday's dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial - King and his followers were addressing issues concerning the worth of the individual and real injustice that was being carried out in our society. But, I don't think you can relate the principles of Dr. King to what is going on with the Occupy movement - there is no clear message, and certainly no clear injustice that is being addressed.
I have been thinking lately about the word, "occupy". In fact, Jesus told a parable in Luke 19:13, where the master called 10 servants together and said, according to some translations, "Occupy till I come". Each received a unit of money, or a mina - one servant, we're told, used it wisely and earned 10 minas. Another earned 5, but another servant did not use wisely what he was given, and his mina was given to the one with - 10. This parable shows the value of work, responsibility, and using the talents and resources that God has given to you. So, from a Biblical perspective, when we're told to "occupy", it means to develop a Kingdom perspective and to use what the Lord has entrusted to us to bring glory to Him - and I believe that does include issues of social justice, because that reflects the heart of God. So we can ask the Lord, "What would you have me to do, exercising my stewardship responsibility, to make life better for someone else and to bring honor to Your name?"
They decry corporations, but spread their message using tools manufactured by these large corporations. They want jobs, but then vilify the job creators. They generalize and rail against corporate greed, and demonstrate a lack of understanding of a free market system that is designed to reward work and to reinforce responsibility. Sure there are abuses, but these foundational principles have stood the test of time.
They want fairness, but would like to see the non-productive rewarded to the same degree as the productive. And, many don't feel the government is doing enough to bring about this utopian, equitable society. I'm not sure what the endgame is here, because certainly corporations, who are accountable to stockholders, are not necessarily going to change their ways due to groups of people that camp out for days in local parks and in some cases, attempt to defy law enforcement.
The word, "justice" is used quite often - and that was a theme apparent in yesterday's dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial - King and his followers were addressing issues concerning the worth of the individual and real injustice that was being carried out in our society. But, I don't think you can relate the principles of Dr. King to what is going on with the Occupy movement - there is no clear message, and certainly no clear injustice that is being addressed.
I have been thinking lately about the word, "occupy". In fact, Jesus told a parable in Luke 19:13, where the master called 10 servants together and said, according to some translations, "Occupy till I come". Each received a unit of money, or a mina - one servant, we're told, used it wisely and earned 10 minas. Another earned 5, but another servant did not use wisely what he was given, and his mina was given to the one with - 10. This parable shows the value of work, responsibility, and using the talents and resources that God has given to you. So, from a Biblical perspective, when we're told to "occupy", it means to develop a Kingdom perspective and to use what the Lord has entrusted to us to bring glory to Him - and I believe that does include issues of social justice, because that reflects the heart of God. So we can ask the Lord, "What would you have me to do, exercising my stewardship responsibility, to make life better for someone else and to bring honor to Your name?"
Friday, October 14, 2011
The Wizard and I
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence ; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
We can draw strength from this passage of Scripture from 1st Peter 3, especially when we realize that believers all over the world face the possibility of being silenced for their faith. And, those who espouse a perspective that is consistent with a Biblical worldview in the halls of academia are facing incredible pressure these days. And, I don’t want to make it sound as if Christians are victims these days, because as believers in Christ, I believe God calls us to a higher standard – to walk with confidence in Him.
I was reminded of some of the cultural pressures recently as I watched the musical that set a North American box office record last week – the touring version of “Wicked” at the Fabulous Fox in Atlanta generated over $2.4 million dollars in sales during its final week. And, we paid our fair share!!
If you’re not familiar with it, it’s basically the story of the so-called “Wicked Witch of the West” from the Wizard of Oz story – her name is Elphaba, and she’s not really wicked, but misunderstood, in the eyes of the playwright.
In one scene, a professor at a college, Dr. Dillamond, faces the threat of being removed from the classroom and silenced, because he is a goat!! You see, there is a nefarious plot in Oz – the animals are being silenced. Well, Elphaba, one of the students who’s a bit different herself - she’s green, for one thing, and talented…she has certain, well, skills, that could prove useful to the wonderful wizard of Oz. She becomes an advocate for the professor and really animals throughout the land, and when she is brought to the wizard, she reports this plot, not realizing that the wizard is behind it. Because she knows the truth, she becomes a liability to the wizard, and becomes a fugitive, and she is essentially vilified throughout Oz, and as she disappears, the stories about her grow more and more exaggerated.
I had to think about the movie, “Expelled”, portraying instances where professors who don’t exactly tow the company line and question the theory of evolution have faced and are facing termination. I hear about Christians who speak out about their faith and are facing the threat of losing their jobs, their reputations, their freedom, even their lives – all because they dare embrace the principles of Christ. A pastor in Iran is facing death because he spoke out against the teachings of the Koran.
And, like the not-so-wicked witch Elphaba, advocates who stand with those taking a stand also become vilified. Those who speak truth are branded as being intolerant, or “haters”. Those who stand with pre-born children who are being murdered in the womb are branded as intolerant of the rights of women. A student in Fort Worth faced suspension and was charged with bullying just because he expressed a particular, Biblically-based opinion. We are called to stand with those who are being oppressed. And, reading 1st Peter 3, this is not a new phenomenon – but we have to make sure that we are 1) ready to defend our faith 2) communicate with meekness and reverence, and 3) keep a good conscience, so that we will not be discredited.
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